Locking hubs conversion great success

So a few weeks ago I installed a conversion kit from automatic to manual locking hubs on my 2007 Toyota Tacoma sport. I will admit I was skeptical at first . I read about others that did it. claiming they improve their gas mileage 1 to 2 miles per gallon someone even saying 3 to 4. I just wanted locking hubs for the capabilities it offers. Improved gas mileage would be a plus. Now that I'm done I've checked the numbers twice I was getting 16 to 17 miles per gallon with my truck and I'm now getting 20 to 21. That's a 3 to 4 miles per gallon Improvement . Anyone who wants better capabilities and better economy. Should definitely look into this conversion. I'm very happy with it. Parts done by remember @05Taco4x4 thread ToyotaHubs

 

Could you post a link to that thread? Very interested in this.
Thanks

 

How come all the Prerunner owners say there is no difference in gas millage between their 2wd and a 4wd ?
kinda confused here.

 

I think this is it:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/manual-hubs-conversion-kit-990.511528/

 

Yes this is the thread thank you for doing that. Just didn't know how to copy the link over.

 

I don't know. I just know that's what I got on my truck. I checked the numbers twice.

 

Doesn't the 07 have the front axle disconnect - and the transfer case disconnect? To get a significant change with an additional disconnect there would have to be a lot of drag associated with spinning the released front differential right?

 

Nice job, but other than improved mpg what is the advantage of manual locking hubs? I’ve had manual hubs and I thought they were a pain in the ass. I drive a lot of back country roads and when I need 4wd I like just puttin it in 4h from the cab and when I’m done switching it back. Just me personally but I’ll take lower mpg and keep my auto hubs. I knew what the mpg was when I bought the truck and it was just fine with me. I’m not trying to give you a hard time but I guess each to their own.
Let me add I’m aware that manual hubs supposedly are more trouble free but there are guys here on TW with hundreds of thousands of miles on their trucks with no problems with the 4wd systems.

 

Cost of the kit 990, Cost of complete CV shafs with proper outer hubs 165x2, Cost of manual hubs, ~ 220 - Total for kit = 1540 (assuming labor is zero dollars for us DIYers)

I have averaged right at 18mpg and right at 20k miles a year over the life of my truck on my 2013 4x4 DCSB TRD OR 4x4 w/ 2in lift and 265/75R16's, with gas averaging $3.14 per gallon over this time.

At those long term averages of mine quoting ops rather high 3-4 mpg increase:

• 3mpg increase = 158.73 gallons less per year = $498.41 saved per year = 3.089 years to be where you started money wise.
• 4mpg increase = 202.02 gallons less per year = $634.34 saved per year = 2.427 years to be where you started money wise

Obviously things will take longer if you drive less or get less increased mpgs....

All for a benefit of the ability to do 2lo? Something you can do with some wiring?

I mean its cool and all, but doesnt seem worth it to me for another moving part to possibly fail (or having to get out of my truck in the snow to flip into 4hi!)

 

If you leave the ADD system in place, you don't have to drive around with your hubs unlocked all the time- if you think you'll need 4WD, lock them in before you go or stop and lock them along the way, and it's just like any other ADD Tacoma.

I've thought about it to do just that- I might use 4WD a dozen times a year, and 1/3-1/2 of them are in winter when I have a good idea I might need it before I leave work/home, and I'm probably not joyriding around if I'm expecting snow. Better MPG and less CV boot/joint wear running around in 2WD 99% of the time sounds pretty OK.

 

I'd never thought about a physical version of the 2Lo mod. Thats interesting..

 

Since my wheel bearings were going anyway I looked at the cost being much lower.

I installed them a few months ago and have also seen a change in mileage. Much less parasitic drag when taking off.
It also got rid of the front axle vibes from having a 2.5 lift.

 

All valid points I hear from people here. It really depends on what your needs are I live in Hawaii where the weather is warm all the time don't need it for snow. If I'm going out off-roading I just lock the hubs before I go. I have a two and a half inch lift with front differential that was always engaged and it got rid of my vibrations I had. And the benefit of having 2low is really nice when pulling a boat out on the ramp. That way you can still turn in the concrete parking lot without trouble. And plans of future modifications of the lockers. Sometimes has too much traction but you still want the low gears. And really steep hills. Many applications it can be used for. Just depends on your needs

 

Add in a @JustDSM tuned HP Tuners file, and pick up more MPG, and power too.

 

My differential was spinning on the time. Only transfer case disconnect. No I could have had extra drag from old CV shafts or bearings but they felt fine nor did I hear any grinding noise of a bad bearing. Hopefully others can get same results.

 

Does the kit require non factory style axles ?

 

It uses factory axles..
It can be tough but all you have to do is swap the outer CV.

 

So if you are out wheeling and break an axle,you cannot just go to the auto store and buy a slip in axle.